048 : Reported speech 2

   A   

It is not always necessary to change the verb in reported speech. If the situation is still the same, you do not need to change the verb to the past. For example:

• direct       :  Paul said 'My new job is boring.'
  reported  :  Paul said that his new job is boring.

                       (The situation is still the same. His job is still boring now.)

• direct       :  Helen said 'I want to go to Canada next year.'
  reported  :  Helen told me that she wants to go to Canada next year.

                       (Helen still wants to go to Canada next year.)

 

You can also change the verb to the past:

• Paul said that his new job was boring.
• Helen told me that she wanted to go to Canada next year.

 

But if the situation has changed or finished, you must use a past verb:

• Paul left the room suddenly. He said he had to go. (not has to go)

 

 

   B   

You need to use a past form when there is a difference between what was said and what is really true.

 

For example:

 

You met Sonia a few days ago.
She said :  Joe is in hospital.

 

Later that day you meet Joe in the street.
You say :  Hi, Joe. I didn't expect to see you. Sonia said you were in hospital.

(not 'Sonia said you are in hospital', because clearly he is not)

 

 

   C   

Say and tell

 

 

If you say who somebody is talking to, use tell:

• Sonia told me that you were in hospital. (not Sonia said me)
• What did you tell the police? (not say the police)

 

Otherwise use say:

• Sonia said that you were in hospital. (not Sonia told that ... )
• What did you say?

 

But you can 'say something to somebody':

• Ann said goodbye to me and left. (not Ann said me goodbye)
• What did you say to the police?

 

 

   D   

Tell/ask somebody to do something

 

 

We also use the infinitive (to do / to be etc.) in reported speech, especially with tell and ask (for orders and requests):

• direct       :  'Drink plenty of water.'  the doctor said to me.
  

    reported  :  The doctor told me to drink plenty of water.

• direct       :  'Don't be late.'  I said to Joe.

    reported  :  I told Joe not to be late.

• direct       :  'Can you help me, please.'  Jackie said to me.
  

    reported  :  Jackie asked me to help her.

 

You can also say 'Somebody said (not) to do something':

• Paul said not to worry about him. (but not Paul said me)

 

 

 

 

※ dearly : 

 

(ex.) She loves him dearly. / She paid dearly for her mistake.